Welcome to Mombar
In the heart of Astoria lies Mombar, an Egyptian-Mediterranean gem offering a unique dining experience. With a focus on traditional flavors and warm hospitality, Mombar takes pride in its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes. From their savory kebabs to their creamy hummus, every bite at Mombar is a journey through the vibrant flavors of Egypt. The restaurant also provides a range of amenities, including reservations, takeout, catering, and free Wi-Fi. Whether you're looking for a quiet dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Mombar is the perfect destination for a memorable meal.
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2522 Steinway St Astoria, NY 111032522 Steinway St Astoria, NY 11103 Hotline: (718) 726-2356
Welcome to Mombar, a hidden gem nestled at 2522 Steinway St in Astoria, NY. This charming eatery transports you straight to Egypt with its rich flavors and warm ambiance. Specializing in authentic Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine, Mombar is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, where each dish tells a story of tradition and passion.
The moment you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting decor that reflects the owner, Mustafa Sayed’s, artistic flair and cultural heritage. The walls are adorned with unique artifacts, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for leisurely meals with friends and family.
Mombar’s menu is a delightful exploration of flavors, highlighted by appetizers such as veal sweetbreads in a zesty lemon sauce and kofta meatballs simmered in light tomato sauce. For those adventurous souls, there’s also the lamb brain served in your choice of lemon or tomato sauce—truly a dish that reflects the heart and soul of Egyptian cuisine.
As you dive into the main courses, the options are as diverse as they are enticing. Whether you opt for the fresh fish of the day, grilled to perfection, or indulge in the mishmish chicken, with its delicate apricot sauce and aromatic spices, each bite takes you on a culinary journey. The lamb with pomegranate is particularly noteworthy, featuring a succulent breast of lamb stuffed with walnuts and baked in a fragrant sauce, served alongside homemade yogurt and fragrant rice.
Customer reviews reflect a similar appreciation for Mombar’s unique offerings. One guest, Neil H., noted the memorable lamb stew but also highlighted the slightly inconsistent freshness compared to other local eateries. In contrast, Ellen M. praised the deliciously spiced dishes that far exceeded her expectations based on her experiences in Egypt. Meanwhile, James S. described the lamb shank and tagine as “amazing,” setting the stage for a night rich with conversation and culinary delights.
In a place like Mombar, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the entire experience. Guests have remarked on the friendly service provided by Mustafa, who does it all—from cooking to waiting tables. This personal touch enhances the overall ambience, making you feel like you are dining at the home of a dear friend.
For those seeking an authentic Egyptian dining experience in Astoria, Mombar stands out not just for its flavorful dishes but for the warmth and culture it embodies. It invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and immerse yourself in a world of exquisite flavors and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning patron, Mombar promises to share its unique charm and culinary artistry with every visit.
I went to Mombar last year. Mombar is one of these Egyptian eateries that you do not know what you will expect in terms of food and service. I ate a lamb stew with rice, and the meal was decent. The owner, Mustafa Sayed is the brother of Ali Sayad, owner of Kabab Cafe. He told me that they often help each other. I was surprised at how small Mombar is, although it is several times larger than Kabab Cafe. Seating is very comfortable, and the restroom facilities are clean. However, the food did not appear to be as freshly made as other Egyptian eateries I have experienced on Steinway Street. I heard the click-click-click of a microwave oven. There was a plate of something that looked like a pyramid, which was fitting for Egypt. Would I go back? Possibly?
Delicious and very off beat. My favorite restaurant experience of the year. The food was deliciously spiced (far better than one finds at most restaurants in Egypt), and one could spend the whole time looking at all the amusing and amazing bits of decor. When I was there there was only one guy who did the cooking and the waiting of tables, so you should't go if you're in a hurry, but I and my companions loved it!
The lamb shank and the lamb tagine were amazing. Fava beans and then a beet and apple salad as starters. Be prepared for a long night of conversation and food. That's part of the charm.
What an amazing and authentic experience. The restaurant's owner decorated the interior and exterior with his art and cultural artifacts. The food was prepared by him and was such a great time. 10/10.
Felt like I was eating in the home of a dear friend. And the food was delicious! Lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and all the flavors were a party in my mouth. Relaxed, warm and sweet environment to chill with friends. The gentleman who owns, cooks and serves was also very friendly.
Honestly, a review doesn't capture it. Just go there be be amazed. Lovely food, wonderful decor, relaxed service. Bring some friends!
Mombar is a gem. It's a one man show with no menus. I felt like I was walking into someone's home. Really unique experience - nothing else like it in NYC and the food was incredible. Had the hummus to start and lamb shank for my main and the lamb melted in my mouth
From the moment you walk in the door, it's clear this is a special place. The owner has put so much love into his restaurant. He has carved sculptures around the room, painted the tables, and created beautiful mosaics. We were lucky to get seated right away, but I would recommend giving yourself time to enjoy the experience truly. It's a one-man show, so it's important to be patient. We ordered the hummus and lamb cheek to start and then had lamb shank for our dinner. Everything was exquisite. It was truly a special evening, and we will be back.
Firstly, it indeed is only one person and cash only. I came here at 5:30 and there were already 3 other parties, and we didn't end up leaving until 8:30 or so. He comes to you and explains the entire menu, and leaves so that you can think about it. I did ask about the prices beforehand and they didn't exactly match up on the receipt but different only within $2 or so. He also added 20% tip but maybe because it was for 6 of us. Also, there's no tap water so you have to bring your own beverage or buy bottled water. The only other thing is that our eyes were stinging because our table was right in front of the kitchen and I got the worst of it to the point that my eyes were tearing up the entire dinner. We got the cauliflower ($15 - surprisingly flavorful dish that I would recommend) and lamb cheeks appetizer ($17 - tender and not gamey, although the taste was plainer than I expected). He also gave us hot pita breads which were so fluffy but can't tell if that comes with the appetizer and is regularly provided. For entrees, we got the branzini ($30 - my favorite perhaps, flavored well), the chicken tagine ($20 - I've had better elsewhere on this block of restaurants and the chicken was a bit dry), beef shank ($28 - very tender, cuts through cleanly), and roasted duck ($30 - it was on the drier side for me but others seem to like it). I enjoyed the atmosphere much and the idea of a one man shop but I don't think my eyes could handle another meal here. If there was more ventilation or perhaps seating further away, I'd consider coming back.